Pronunciation: [kˈe͡ɪkwɔːks] (IPA) 
The word "cakewalks" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end of "walks." In IPA transcription, it would be written as /ˈkeɪkwɔks/. The first syllable "cake" is pronounced with the long "a" sound /keɪ/ and the second syllable "walks" ends with a silent "s." This word refers to an effortless or easy accomplishment, originating from a 19th century African American dance competition where the winner was awarded a cake.
Cakewalks can be understood as both a noun and a verb, with slightly different definitions for each usage. As a noun, cakewalks refer to a type of lively dance or social event popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly among African American communities. It originated from African American slave dances and featured elaborate and exaggerated steps done in time with syncopated music. The dancers would compete to display their style and skill, with the most accomplished dancer winning a cake as a prize, hence the term "cakewalk." This type of dance is often associated with ragtime music and the Jim Crow era.
As a verb, to cakewalk means to accomplish a task or achieve victory with ease, skill, or without any real difficulty. It implies that the task or competition is so straightforward or simple that it is comparable to walking in a leisurely manner to claim a cake as a prize. This colloquial usage highlights the idea of something being effortless or a "piece of cake" to complete.
However, it is important to note that "cakewalk" has also been used historically as a derogatory term to trivialize the achievements or struggles of marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, so care should be taken in its usage.
The term "cakewalk" dates back to the early 19th century and has its roots in African American culture. It originated from a style of dance that was performed by enslaved Africans on plantations in the Southern United States. These dances were originally called "chalk line walks" and were performed at social gatherings held by enslaved people.
The term "cakewalk" itself emerged later, around the mid-19th century. It was named after the practice of holding competitive walking contests at these gatherings, where the reward for the winner would often be a cake. Participants would form a circle, and with exaggerated and often humorous dance moves, they would compete to impress the audience and secure the cake.
Over time, "cakewalk" evolved beyond its original context and became a popular dance form in minstrel shows, where white performers would imitate and appropriate African American dance styles and culture.
